Michelle Bachelet Wins Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024

Michelle Bachelet, former Chilean President and UN Human Rights High Commissioner, received the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for her lifelong commitment to human rights and gender equality. Established in 1986, the award strengthens India’s soft power and highlights its commitment to peace, justice, and South-South solidarity.

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Picture Courtesy:  INDIAN EXPRESS

Context

Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, received the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 in New Delhi.

What is  Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development?

It recognizes individuals or organizations for promoting international peace, development, a new economic order, and expanding human freedom through creative use of scientific discoveries for humanity's benefit.

Established: It was instituted in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust to honour the legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Awarded By: The prize is awarded annually by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, an organization established in 1985 to propagate the legacy of Indira Gandhi.

Award Components: The prize consists of a monetary award of Rs 1 crore and a citation. Previously, this amount was Rs 25 lakh. The trophy is a square piece of banded Haematite Jasper, the same stone used at Indira Gandhi's samadhi at Shakti Sthala.

Eligibility: The award is open to any individual or organization without any distinction of nationality, race, or religion.

The prize recognizes creative efforts towards:

  • Promoting international peace and disarmament.
  • Promoting goodwill and harmony among nations and racial equality.
  • Securing economic cooperation and advancing a new international economic order.
  • Ensuring scientific discoveries are harnessed for the larger good of the human race.
  • Accelerating the holistic advancement of developing nations.
  • Enlarging the scope of freedom and enriching the human spirit.

Year

Recipient

Reason for Award

2024

Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria

Former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she is recognized for her commitment to peace, gender equality, human rights, and democracy.

2023

Daniel Barenboim & Ali Abu Awwad (Jointly)

For exceptional efforts in uniting Israeli and Arab youth for a non-violent resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict through music and dialogue.

2022

Indian Medical Association (IMA) & Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) (Jointly)

For their selfless and dedicated service as frontline warriors during the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

2021

Pratham (NGO)

Recognized for work ensuring quality education for every child, utilizing innovative digital technology for delivery.  

 Source: INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The 2023 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize was jointly awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their efforts in:

A) Promoting scientific advancements for rural development. 

B) Championing global disarmament treaties. 

C) Using music and dialogue for peacebuilding in the Israel-Palestine conflict. 

D) Leading economic reforms in the Global South.

Answer: C 

Explanation:  

The 2023 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize was jointly awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their efforts in using music and dialogue for peacebuilding in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is an international award established in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. It is awarded annually to individuals or organizations for their significant contributions to promoting global peace, disarmament, and a new international economic order.

The 2024 prize was awarded to Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. She was recognized for her lifelong work in championing human rights, gender equality, and democratic governance globally.

The prize serves as a tool of India's soft power by projecting the country's values of peace, non-alignment, and equitable development. By honouring global leaders and organizations that align with these values, it enhances India's diplomatic goodwill and strengthens its image as a leading voice for the Global South.

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